The old methods of muzzling press freedom are now a thing of the past in the DRC. As in a football match, the press tormentors have changed tactics.
In its annual report entitled: “New Press Law, new abuses against journalists: The new faces of censorship in DR Congo”, published Saturday November 2, on the occasion of the eleventh International Day of the End of impunity for crimes committed against journalists, JED highlighted this new approach adopted by state and non-state actors.
According to this structure which campaigns for press freedom, this is censorship. This method consists of preventing journalists and the media from covering certain subjects.
Speaking to this effect, Tshivis Tshivuadi, secretary general of Journalist in Danger, revealed the strategy which contributed to uncovering the modus operandi of the press executioners.
« In this year’s report we wanted to go beyond simple statistics to talk about the global environment of journalists’ work “, he declared before revealing the names of those who are behind the new method of muzzling the press.
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Who are the new faces of censorship in the DRC?
With its experience of more than 25 years in the defense of press freedom, JED has set up an alert network which allows it to document everything that happens in the Congolese media ecosystem. Thanks to this network, JED was able to identify those it describes as “the new face of censorship in the DRC”.
In this list we find:
Bobo Boloko Bolumbu, Governor of the Equator Province; Rita Bola, Governor of Mai-ndombe; Firmin Nvonde, Attorney General; Christian Bosembe, President of CSAC; Sylvie Elenge, CEO of RTNC; Corneille Nangaa, President of AFC; Laurence Kanyaka, Political Spokesperson of the M23, Willy Ngoma, Military Spokesperson of the M23; FARDC; ANR; Mbandaka High Court; Marie-Anne Kiabu, Mayor of the town of Kabinda and Major Carlos of the police.
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The new law on press freedom in the DRC
Speaking about the Muyaya law despite the emergence of new faces of censorship, the SG of JED recognized that with this law the DRC has recorded progress in the path towards the decriminalization of press offenses.
“The New Press Law, there is progress, particularly with regard to the sanction regime”
It should be noted that arrests, attacks and killings of journalists are the methods often used to muzzle the Congolese press.
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Emongo Gérôme
2024-11-03 06:16:00
#Press #Freedom #DRC #JED #report #
**Interview with Tshivis Tshivuadi, Secretary General of Journalist in Danger (JED)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Tshivis. Your recent report, “New Press Law, New Abuses Against Journalists,” highlights significant concerns regarding press freedom in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Can you elaborate on the findings of this report?
**Tshivis Tshivuadi:** Thank you for having me. Our report, released on the eleventh International Day of the End of Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, aims to shed light on the evolving methods of censorship in the DRC. While we’ve seen a shift from the old tactics of directly threatening journalists, we now face subtler forms of censorship. This involves preventing media coverage on sensitive topics through intimidation and other means.
**Editor:** That sounds concerning. Who are the key players behind these new methods of censorship?
**Tshivis Tshivuadi:** We’ve identified several individuals and institutions contributing to this worrying trend. Notable figures include provincial governors like Bobo Boloko Bolumbu and Rita Bola, as well as various military and government spokespeople. The interconnectedness of these actors indicates a coordinated effort to control the media narrative in the DRC.
**Editor:** How does the new press law play into this situation?
**Tshivis Tshivuadi:** The Muyaya law was intended to enhance press freedom, but unfortunately, we see that even with this legal framework, abuses persist. It’s essential to recognize that laws alone cannot guarantee freedom; they require active enforcement and commitment from authorities. Instead, we are witnessing the rise of new censorship practices that often sidestep legal parameters.
**Editor:** What can be done to combat this shift in censorship tactics?
**Tshivis Tshivuadi:** It’s vital for civil society, journalists, and international organizations to remain vigilant and resilient. We need to document these abuses systematically and advocate for accountability. Additionally, a unified front among journalists can help in pushing back against intimidation, ensuring that stories that need to be told are still heard.
**Editor:** Thank you, Tshivis, for sharing these insights and highlighting such important issues affecting press freedom in the DRC. We hope to see positivechanges in the near future.
**Tshivis Tshivuadi:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can continue to fight for the rights of journalists and the freedom of the press.
